Crash that killed newlywed still being investigated

ROLLINSFORD — The events that led up to the fatal Route 4 accident in July are still under investigation, according to officials.

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 20, Matthew Tsopas collided with a car driven by newlyweds Brian Preiss, 30, and his wife Leah Fonda Preiss, 30. Leah was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, but died shortly thereafter from injuries sustained in the head-on collision shortly.

Brian was also seriously injured and was later transferred to a hospital in Massachusetts.

Preiss and her husband were visiting the area from St. Paul, Minn., on their honeymoon.

Tsopas, 43, of Somersworth was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash and had been involved in an incident immediately prior at the Rollinsford American Legion.

At Tsopas’ July 31 probable cause hearing, Strafford County attorney Tom Velardi described the sequence of events that allegedly occurred on the night of the accident.

Tsopas had been seen acting “unruly” at the Legion, drinking to excess, and taking pills, according to authorities. Toxicology reports later verified that Tsopas had alcohol and several controlled drugs in his system. A state police affidavit stated he also assaulted an employee and a patron at the Legion and struck four cars in the parking lot as he was leaving.

The police were called and were headed to the scene.

Tsopas then allegedly continued down Route 4 and while trying to pass another vehicle, stuck the Preiss’ vehicle head-on. Tsopas then reportedly exited his Infiniti and ran through the woods while removing articles of clothing. State police, with the assistance of a “good Samaritan,” were able to get Tsopas into custody after a struggle.

Tsopas suffered injuries from the crash and required medical attention at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, where he had to be sedated and guarded by police.

Tsopas is facing charges of negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated.

At the July 31 hearing, Tsopas’ bail was lowered from $250,000 to $75,000 at his defense attorney’s request. On Aug. 20, Tsopas was at Strafford County Superior Court with his attorney, Timothy Harrington, requesting the judge change bail from $75,000 cash to cash or surety.

Harrington argued that Tsopas has no prior history of being a danger to the community. However, the bail change request was denied in accordance with a recommendation from New Hampshire Community Corrections, which advised Tsopas not be released and should complete substance abuse counseling.

Although driving while intoxicated is the suspected cause of the accident, town residents were still concerned about the safety of Portland Avenue and felt the speed limit should be reduced. A town meeting was held that concluded with the Board of Selectmen requesting the Department of Transportation address their concerns about the road’s safety.

State troopers have been working diligently on the case since the time it occurred and the investigation is still active and ongoing.

The state Bureau of Liquor Enforcement has neither confirmed nor denied whether it is investigating the local American Legion Post for its possible connection to the case in regards to over-serving alcohol.